€50m Barcelona star is COMING as Liverpool plan deal

Liverpool’s centre-back department is set to undergo a shakeup in the next few transfer windows.

Last summer brought the first of those changes. Jarell Quansah was allowed to leave for more regular first-team football with Bayer Leverkusen coming forward with a bid worth over £30m.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas away range

We could see the Englishman return however with the Reds in possession of a buyback clause. Regardless, Giovanni Leoni was acquired on a £26m deal from Parma with the 18-year-old becoming the club’s fourth-choice central defender.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas away range

There were also bids listened to for Joe Gomez although the England defender opted to remain at Anfield. But the contract situation of Ibrahima Konate continues to dominate the agenda.

Liverpool on a centre-back search

The fact that the Frenchman’s deal is expiring in 2026 - with no sign of a renewal - meant that Liverpool were exceptionally keen on recruiting Marc Guehi.

However, a deal for the Crystal Palace captain broke down at the last minute but there is still a chance he is recruited as a free transfer next summer.

So there are many parts in flux - which is why we’ve seen further links to other centre-backs.

Liverpool to do January deal for Araujo

One name to emerge in recent days has been Ronald Araujo. Liverpool are again reported to be keen on adding the 26-year-old Barcelona vice-captain - who has lost his place in Hansi Flick’s lineup.

And given Barca’s precarious finances it would be no surprise to see the Catalans cash in on the Uruguayan - who is under contract at Camp Nou until 2031.

A report in Fichajes now claims that Liverpool are ready to come forward with a bid worth €50m for Araujo as soon as JANUARY as they seek to head off suitors from the Premier League and elsewhere.

Chelsea, Spurs and Real Madrid also interested

Chelsea and Tottenham are among the other English teams listed as interested in Araujo - while Real Madrid would dearly love to repeat their Luis Figo trick by signing him from their Clasico rivals.

But Liverpool’s interest stretches back further - with Arne Slot previously reported to be a big fan of the Uruguay international. Adding Araujo in January would no doubt increase competition in the Reds’ defence - and help cover potential injuries and suspensions during the run-in.

Next summer it remains to be seen what happens with Konate and Gomez. So in the meantime expect Liverpool to be linked with several top-quality centre-backs.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 Man City midfielder confirms he's joining Liverpool

👉🏻 Wonderkid lined up to REPLACE Ibrahima Konate

👉🏻 Richard Hughes, you genius: INCREDIBLE deal comes to light